With the Vastelaovend coming up, Lex Uiting may receive Limburg's highest carnival order on 30 November: the Gulden Humor. Since 1962, this decoration has been awarded to people who have made an exceptional contribution to Limburg culture, humour and, of course, to the Vastelaovend. Lex thus joins a long tradition of people who have brought something special to our province.
His documentary Nao 't Zuuje is a great example. As preens Lex I, he manages to capture the essence of Vastelaovend in a unique way. He shows that the party is much more than just dressing up and partying. It is about traditions passed down from generation to generation, about community spirit, about being together. At the same time, he also shows that Vastelaovend is dynamic, that there is room for innovation and that younger generations give their own interpretation of this age-old feast.
As president of the Samewirkende Limburgse Vaste-laovesvereniginge, I feel responsible for keeping this tradition alive as an intangible heritage. That means not only cherishing what is there, but also being open to new influences. Lex Uiting does exactly that: with his music in Limburg dialect and his stories, he succeeds in connecting the old values of Vastelaovend with modern times.
The Gulden Humor recognises that contribution. Lex proves that Vastelaovend is a celebration of solidarity, in which tradition and innovation go hand in hand. But then he was born in the beautiful city of Venlo, which is and remains dynamic with respect for traditions and (im)material heritage.
Bart Maes
Publisher magazine O.Venlo
b.maes@art-is.nl
